Monday

Apr 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM

Once dedicated to working on couture pieces, high-end fabrics and luxurious gowns, Palm Beach’s seamstresses and designers are using their skills to make cotton face masks for Florida’s first responders.

Brocades, lace and cotton once used to create stylish gowns are now repurposed for face masks as the fashion industry attempts to help first responders in the coronavirus outbreak.

While hospitals around the country are faced with a crippling national shortage of supplies, local stores are stepping up to help. Shop owner and designer David Maison is one of them.

“What good is it to have these fabrics in a warehouse doing nothing?” he said. “I can use them to do a project that helps save lives.”

The fourth-generation designer spared no expense in his act of goodwill, using fabrics that cost over $200 a yard. His shop on 323 Worth Ave., No. 5, closed three weeks ago, but his sample-making workroom remains open for mask design and production. He partnered with distribution company owner Mario Pérez of House of Wine and Spirits, Inc. to deliver shipments.

So far, his team of 10 people, including his wife, children and shop seamstresses, have made 500 masks and plan to make 500 more by next week.

“I wasn't doing much with the fabrics because there’s no season anymore,” he said. “I decided to put them to use, for a good cause and here I am making what I call high fashion rescue masks.”

Another Worth Avenue store helping make masks is Neiman Marcus. The luxury department store closed its doors nationwide two weeks ago until April 30. On March 25, Neiman Marcus Group partnered with JOANN Stores to produce nonsurgical, personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks, gowns and scrubs.

Seamstresses from the Palm Beach location and other alteration teams across South Florida stores are working out of Miramar. The first shipment will be distributed among Miami hospitals.

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Our doctors and healthcare professionals are on the frontlines fighting for us each day. We honor and praise you! We are continuing to make masks and scrubs to support. #nationaldoctorsday #nmtogether #neimanmarcusplambeachfl

All four businesses have donated their resources, time and paid out-of-pocket to help. They stepped in at a time when hospitals and first responders are in the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic without PPE and rationed medical supplies.

The lack of n95 masks, a mask manufactured by 3M and used for its ability to filter 95 percent of airborne particles, has forced doctors and nurses to reuse potentially infected gear.

Between unprepared hospitals and bidding wars for overpriced n95 masks, first responders are finding alternate ways to protect themselves. Many make their own masks out of garbage bags, bandanas or paper.

Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention caution that homemade masks are not considered to be personal protective equipment, it says they can be used “as a last resort” for workers caring for coronavirus patients.

Such was the case for nurses contacting Maison after he posted his face masks on social media. According to him, a nurse working at a local hospital reached out asking for a mask because they’re running out of gear. His team is working to get shipments out to local hospitals and others in Broward County.

Neiman Marcus and JOANN are making masks following guidelines provided by the Providence Hospital System in Washington.

Maison is also abiding by CDC guidelines and designed a pattern made to be as tight as possible without being uncomfortable or leaving behind bruising.

He’s making them with three layers of cotton fabric, with the last layer adding a touch of personality with a print or sparkle.

“If every business takes the same measures as we have, we can help the local communities while we wait for the federal and local governments to implement their relief measures,” Maison said. “I’m willing to donate to any health-care worker, any hospital, nursing home worker, EMT firefighters, police officers, doctors, anyone on the frontline. I’m trying to help these people out.”

Maison is looking for fabric donations and volunteers to help make more masks. Those interested may contact him through Facebook, email davidmaisoncouture@gmail.com or phone 561-444-8183.